Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi (r.a.) on Ghawts al-A’azham (q.s.)

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi (q.s.) wrote the following, about Shaykh Muhyi ad-Din Abu Muhammad ibn Abu Swalih ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (q.s.), in his kitab, Bustan al-‘Arifin, “Garden of the Spiritual Masters”: “In all that has reached us from trustworthy reporters, concerning the charismatic talents of the saints, we learn of none more numerous than the charismatic talents of the Quthb, the Shaykh of Baghdad, Muhyi ad-Din ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani.”  Here, Imam an-Nawawi (r.a.) was using “Muhyi ad-Din” as a title, meaning, “Reviver of the Religion”. 

Imam an-Nawawi (r.a.) wrote, “He was the shaykh of the principle Shafi’i and Hanbali authorities in Baghdad.  Leadership in the sphere of knowledge devolved upon him in his day and age.  More than a few of the notable figures received their education in his fellowship, and most of the preeminent shuyukh of Iraq became affiliated with him.  His teaching was propagated by a host of those endowed with splendid spiritual states.  His countless students included many of the masters of exalted spiritual stations.  The shuyukh and scholars were unanimous in declaring him worthy of the greatest honour and respect, in confirming his authority, in referring to his statements, and in having recourse to his judgement.” 

He continued, “He had an exalted way of speaking about the esoteric sciences.  His anger was intense whenever the sanctuaries of Allah (s.w.t.) were violated.  He was openhanded and magnanimous in the most beautiful way.  To put it in a nutshell, there was none like him in his day and age.  May Allah be Well Pleased with him.”


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Du’a of the Blind Man

A Brief Biography of Shaykh Ibrahim ibn ‘Abdullah Niyas al-Kawlakhi (q.s.)

The Benefits of the Verse of 1,000 Dananir